Originally posted 2017-04-23 00:00:39.

The Night Journey and Ascension: Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj

“Prophet of Allah,” she pleaded, clutching his cloak, “Do not tell the people this—they will deny you and insult you!”

But the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) was determined to share the truth. He would not keep it hidden.

He stepped out into the dimly lit sky, unwavering. With confidence and certainty of faith that had never been shaken, he declared to the people of Makkah that he had traveled from the Kaʿbah in Makkah to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem—all in one night—and returned before dawn.

They laughed.
They called him mad.
They rushed to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), his most trusted friend and companion, hoping to shake his faith too.

“He’s lost his mind,” they told Abu Bakr. “He claims he traveled to Jerusalem and back in a single night.”

At first, Abu Bakr was confused, suspecting a trick. But once he realized that it was truly the Prophet’s own claim, he answered with calm conviction:

“If he said so, then it must be true.”

With this declaration, Abu Bakr earned the timeless title of As-Siddiq—the Truthful, the Affirming One—an emblem of unwavering faith that believers continue to aspire toward.

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The Night Journey (Al-Israa’) to Jerusalem

The full story, however, was far more miraculous.

That night, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was resting at the home of Umm Hani, his cousin and the sister of `Ali ibn Abi Talib. This visit followed the Prophet’s “Year of Sorrow”, after the loss of his beloved wife Khadijah and his protector, Abu Talib. He had also suffered bitter rejection in At-Ta’if, making it one of the darkest times in his mission.

In the stillness of the night, the Archangel Jibreel awakened the Prophet with a gentle touch. Outside waited a heavenly creature: Buraq, smaller than a mule but larger than a donkey, with wings that allowed it to leap as far as the eye could see. The Prophet mounted Buraq, and with Jibreel beside him, they traveled swiftly across the sands to Jerusalem.

At Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Prophet met a gathering of all previous Prophets—Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others (peace be upon them all). He led them in prayer, signifying his leadership and unity with the Prophets who came before him.

Then, he was offered two vessels—one with wine and one with milk. He chose the milk. Jibreel said:

“You have chosen the fitrah (natural disposition). You have been rightly guided, and so will your followers.”

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The Ascension (Al-Mi`raj) to the Heavens

Then began Al-Mi`raj—the ascension to the heavens.

At each level of the seven heavens, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was greeted by earlier Prophets:

• 1st Heaven: Adam

• 2nd: Yahya (John the Baptist) and `Isa (Jesus)

• 3rd: Yusuf (Joseph)

• 4th: Idris (Enoch)

• 5th: Harun (Aaron)

• 6th: Musa (Moses)

• 7th: Ibrahim (Abraham), reclining near Al-Bayt Al-Ma`mur, a celestial house visited daily by 70,000 angels who never return again.

At each level, they exchanged greetings, and each Prophet testified to the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

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Sidrat Al-Muntaha and the Divine Meeting

The Prophet was then taken to the majestic Sidrat Al-Muntaha—the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, a place of unimaginable beauty that marks the outer limit of creation. Beyond it, no being—not even Jibreel—may pass.

There, the Prophet experienced what no other creation has experienced: a direct audience with his Lord.

Allah prescribed fifty daily prayers, which Moses advised the Prophet to request a reduction for, knowing the burden would be too heavy on the people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) returned repeatedly to ask Allah until the prayers were reduced to five, with the promise:

“They are five in number but fifty in reward.”

Thus, the five daily prayers were ordained—not merely as ritual, but as a gift of nearness to God.

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Back in Makkah: Proofs and Responses

The Prophet returned before dawn. He told Umm Hani:

“Last night, I prayed with you, then went to Jerusalem and prayed there, and now I have returned to pray with you again.”

She feared for him: “They will call you a liar!” But the Prophet went forth, undeterred.

To those who challenged him, he described Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in vivid detail—its structure, the gate, and even the caravans he passed on his return. Some were silenced. Some began to believe. Others rejected him still.

The Prophet first shared the journey to Jerusalem (Al-Israa’), as it was already difficult for the people to accept. The Ascension (Al-Mi`raj) was later revealed to the believers who were ready in heart and faith.

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A Turning Point in Prophethood and Faith

This miraculous journey happened toward the end of Rajab, after immense trials, including the socio-economic boycott and personal losses. But Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj marked a turning point—an opening of doors to the spread of Islam in Madinah, and the eventual Hijrah, leading to the foundation of a Muslim civilization.

These events were not just a miracle; they were a divine sign—a test of faith for the believers and a turning point in the Prophet’s mission.

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What It Means for Us Today

Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj offer believers lessons of hope, endurance, and connection to the Divine:

• The importance of prayer, a gift given in the heavens.

• The unity of all Prophets and the continuity of the message of Tawheed (Oneness of God).

• The power of unshakeable faith, as shown by Abu Bakr As-Siddiq.

• That from darkness and rejection can come light and victory.

Let us reflect on this journey—not as history, but as a living spiritual legacy—one that calls us to rise in prayer, elevate in character, and trust in the divine wisdom of our Lord.

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Source: onislam.net.